Battery Storage Systems
Energy Storage
Adding battery storage to a solar PV system at a residential property in Stratford-upon-Avon, or anywhere in the UK, can significantly enhance the value and efficiency of your renewable energy setup. Here's a breakdown of the key benefits:
✅1. Maximise Self-Consumption
-
Without a battery, excess solar energy generated during the day is typically exported to the grid.
-
With a battery, surplus electricity can be stored and used during evenings or cloudy days when your panels aren’t producing — increasing your self-consumption from ~30–40% to over 70–80%.
✅ 2. Reduced Energy Bills
-
Using more of your own solar power reduces reliance on grid electricity, which is increasingly expensive in the UK.
-
You also avoid buying power at peak rates (like during the evening) by drawing from your battery instead.
✅ 3. Protection from Power Outages
-
Some battery systems (with backup capability) can provide emergency power during a grid outage — helpful even in a town like Stratford-upon-Avon, where outages are rare but possible.
✅ 4. Access to Time-of-Use Tariffs
-
With a smart battery and a suitable energy supplier, you can charge your battery with cheap off-peak electricity (e.g. at night) and use it during expensive peak hours — even without solar production.
-
Examples: Octopus Energy’s Agile or Intelligent Octopus tariffs.
✅ 5. Better Use of the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
-
Battery systems can allow more controlled export of energy to the grid, possibly enabling you to take better advantage of SEG payments, though some suppliers restrict SEG if a battery is involved. Always check their terms.
✅ 6. Environmental Benefits
-
Batteries help reduce overall demand on fossil fuel-generated grid electricity, especially during peak times.
-
This enhances your household’s carbon footprint reduction, making your energy usage more sustainable.
✅ 7. Energy Independence
-
Adding storage gives you more control over your energy production and usage.
-
You're less affected by price hikes or policy changes related to grid electricity.
⚠️ Considerations:
-
Upfront cost is significant (£3,000–£7,000+ depending on size and brand).
-
Payback periods vary (7–10 years on average in the UK), but it can be shorter with rising energy prices and savvy use of tariffs.
-
Make sure your battery is compatible with your inverter or system setup.